10 Bizarre Turtle Species

11Spiny Softshell Turtle

The spiny soft-shelled turtle can be found in the US, Canada, and northern Mexico. It has a unique appearance, with a triangular head and a flat, round shell covered in black spots. These spots are pronounced in young turtles but fade with age. The turtle has a long, thin nose and cone-like projections on the front of the shell.

The gender of spiny soft-shelled turtles’ offspring is down to genetics. In most other turtle species, the gender is the result of differences in temperature experienced by the eggs in sand.

10Eastern Long-Necked Turtle

Found in the lakes of Australia, the eastern long-necked turtle has (obviously) an extremely long neck compared to other species, which can grow as long as its shell. The neck is so long that the turtle has to bend its head under its shell, rather than retracting it. This species is also known as the snake-necked turtle because the head and neck resemble a snake. It also has a similar hunting method where it strikes prey by quickly straightening its neck.

When threatened, the turtle will secrete a foul-smelling liquid from its glands. This secretion can travel up to one meter (three feet), causing any surrounding animals to flee. The turtle spends most of its life on land.